As more states OK same-sex marriages, could NC revisit issue?

In May, a majority of Cleveland County and North Carolina voters turned down an amendment to recognize legal gay marriage. With more states accepting same-sex marriage, could North Carolinians change their stance in years to come?

More states legalized same-sex unions during this month’s election as Maine and Maryland became the first states to approve marriage equality measures via popular vote.

In May, a majority of Cleveland County and North Carolina voters turned down an amendment to recognize legal gay marriage.

Eighty percent of county voters said “yes” to Amendment One, which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

But working to promote marriage equality in the Tar Heel state isn’t over for Neighbors for Equality. The Boiling Springs-based grassroots effort promoting marriage equality worked months to garner support to defeat Amendment One, notably affecting the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transsexual/Queer community.

“But to see these advancements, (across the nation) gives us hope for the country that LGBTQ citizens won’t be denied rights simply because of who they desire to marry,” said Collyn Warner, co-executive director for NFE.

Before Tuesday’s election, gay marriage was legal in six states, including the District of Columbia. Minnesota voters rejected a proposed ban on gay-marriage in its state constitution this week.

Strong opposition

As supporters of marriage equality make strides on the issue, opposers are steadfast.

Dr. Rit Varriale, pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, said in May that a vote for the amendment was to understand God’s love. He referred to a scripture in 1 John 5:2: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.”

"God gives us commands because He love us," Varriale wrote this week in an email to The Star. "Of course, many people in our society would ridicule that statement to scorn because they don’t believe the Bible is modern, but it is true. Does a loving parent let a child do whatever he or she chooses? Of course not. Rather, a loving parent establishes boundaries that are in the best interests of the child. Likewise, God’s commands are for the good of humanity."

Varriale said the biblical commands relating to marriage have a utilitarian purpose that works for the benefit of society as a whole.

"For that reason, the best example we can give people, put another way — the best way we can love people — is to 'love God and keep His commandments,'" he said. "Thus, a rejection of God’s commandments coupled with the willingness to let people do whatever they desire in their pursuit of happiness amounts to an irresponsible lack of love."

Varriale said he is certain that in the years ahead, North Carolinians will revisit the issue of same-sex marriage, but not at the polls.

"Most likely, the N.C. Marriage Amendment will be declared unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court," he said. "When that time comes, the Church will be forced to decide whether it will obey the government or God."

Page 2 of 3 - But with more states accepting same-sex marriage, could North Carolinians change their stance in years to come?

Readers weigh in

Dozens of comments on The Star’s Facebook page showed readers remain split on the issue.

“Let them live together,” said Deanna Brown, a Boiling Springs resident. “But do not allow marriage, for the simple fact that God says it is a sin.”

Justin Ledbetter wrote marriage equality could happen in the state, but it would take time.

“I think we’ll be the last one,” Mooresboro resident Todd Phillips said about the state allowing same-sex marriages.

Evelyn Ledbetter said the government should stay out of the issue.

Warner doesn’t have an answer. She said not electing pro-equality candidates factors into the change NFE strives for. This election saw its first openly gay woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin.

“With most civil rights struggles, change at the federal level would be nice because that means you don’t have a state-by-state constant battle for equality,” she said. “By not electing pro-equality candidates, North Carolina has some work to do.”

'May 8th wasn't our deadline'

Amendment One critics feared the legislation’s broad language could hurt same-sex couples, including children and domestic violence victims. They noted the legislation’s term of “domestic legal union,” which isn’t defined in state law.

Warner said NFE’s push for equality continues, despite Amendment One's outcome. NFE has added the county school system into its focus.

“We’ve been working with Cleveland County Schools on School Violence Prevention Act,” she said. “That conversation was a big deal for us.”

She’ll attend a conference with other volunteers this month to improve safety in schools for LGBTQ youth in the state.

The Star asked readers on its Facebook page if North Carolina should allow same-sex marriages. Here's some of the responses. To join the conversation and read more responses, find The Shelby Star on Facebook and click "like."

"Keep the government OUT of our bedroom and our wallets. How can we call ourselves the land of the free if we make laws that limit freedom?"

Page 3 of 3 - -Karen Endecott

"I think it should be legal, but I don't believe NC will make it legal until the federal government makes them. It will be just like the end of segregation."

-Chad Spurling

"Bible aside, it is morally wrong."

-Curtis Allen

"I hope it doesn't happen; it's a sin. I'm glad my vote counted and marriage is still defined as one man one woman. That's how it should be; that's how God made it. It will be a sad day if NC ever changes that."